A quarter of gas stations in the Kingdom could be poisoning underground water reserves, a research has found. The study warns of wide-scale toxic hydrocarbon contamination of underground water reserves in the Kingdom. In a study titled “Environmental Pollution Resulting From Petrol Stations In Dammam,” researchers indicated that up to 3500 of the 14000 gas stations could be leaking poisonous materials into the ground. The problem is exacerbated by the complete absence of a maintenance program which would ensure all the equipment was fully functioning and fit for purpose. For example, they suspect that as many as 30 percent of the stations in Dammam have not been serviced since their construction 19 years ago. They also found that many petrol stations in the country were built by non-specialized contractors. Due to the lack of necessary checks from the authorities, these unscrupulous companies did not even install the obligatory traps for oil and grease, according to a report in Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper. Deena Ibrahim Musalli, a postgraduate from King Abdul Aziz University, revealed in her master's degree thesis that fuel hazard poisoning could lead to severe illnesses such as pulmonary fibrosis. She called for protection against the oxidizing dangers of MTBE substance. She says authorities should build gas stations in uninhabited areas, forbid the sale of food and drinks near the stations and adopt a self-filling system. When questioned about the negative effects on the environment and public health, the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) pointed to a new environmental inspection program for gas stations. The team will be tasked with addressing leaks from gas stations and lubrication shops. Preserving the environment and preventing its degradation will be the team's key priorities. Non-compliance will be dealt with strongly to ensure everyone respects the regulations and standards. In a separate parallel initiative, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization recently issued the stringent safety specifications for the industry. Their comprehensive regulations cover construction, materials, tanks, pipes, accessories, electrical installations as well as the many operational aspects of running petrol and automobile stations. This includes the unloading of fuel from tankers, displaying correct safety signage and ensuring fire extinguishers are working and readily to hand. The organization stressed that members of the public also have a role to play. Behaviors encouraged by the new regulations include turning off the engine, not smoking and ensuring the tight closure of fuel tanks. In spite of the alarming findings, Col. Mohammed Al-Zahrani, director of Civil Defense in Al-Ahsa, assured people close to gas stations that the stations do not pose any immediate danger to them. He stressed that no license is granted to petrol stations without the approval of all parties concerned, whether it be the Municipality, the Civil Defense, Department of Highways or the Ministry of Agriculture. Each party lays down its requirements for the interest of the citizen and the investor. He also emphasized that there is nothing to prevent the establishment of gas stations in residential neighborhoods as long as the conditions are fully adhered to. Saud Al-Fadl, member of Al-Ahsa Chamber of Commerce, explained that the current state of gas stations and service centers do not reflect well on the image of the Kingdom. “In order to maintain our status in the world, I would like to see wholesale changes to the gas stations to bring them up to global standards,” he said. To aid the realization of this goal, he says there is a need to form a special committee for gas stations and service centers.
